Nick involvement with IDW

[Cowabunga Carl]

I started thinking about this after a brief talk in another thread. Instead of derailing that thread I'd thought I'd make my own about the topic as to keep the conversation in one location. What I'd like to talk about is Nick's involvement with the IDW title. Tom and Bobby have both said they have to get things cleared by Nick first before they are allowed to do story arches and character changes.

Now this leads to the question of how much say Nick truly has in IDWs take on the TMNT. Nick is the owner of the property and are leasing the rights to IDW. Does this mean Nick can squish anything that they don't like? Can they force IDW to put certain things into stories because they want it there?

I'm honestly curious on what that relationship is like. I know there are some here who worry when the new cartoon hits that the IDW title will start to reflect it more and more. I'm curious if that is a just assumption. I mean to me it would have maken more sense if that was the plan along that they would have been working it in as the story progressed. From what we know it seems quite different then what IDW is doing.

What are your guys thoughts on it?

[chrisdude]

It makes sense that Nick would want to approve anything with their name on it, especially a huge property like TMNT. I would hope it's just a precaution.

But who knows? It's too early to tell which will be more successful, the cartoon or the comic - perhaps the comic could end up influencing the cartoon some day. And either one, or both of them could impact the film.

[CyberCubed]

It's already confirmed that IDW has to send in every script to Nick for approval before they can go ahead and publish an issue.

Be thankful Nick allows some violence and cursing in the comic as well as more mature stories.

[Lampy]

let's say you own a tree... and you hired me to build you a tree-house. after a while... you see that the one you built is a more successful and better looking (in your eyes) tree-house. all the kids love your tree house... while only a few like mine. odds are you'd want me to build the tree-house the same way as you did or make some changes to it to match yours to ensure that same success. sure... you can say "no... it's ok as long as some people like it." but when people start paying you for YOUR tree-house and you're raking in serious cash... things change.

when it's not your property you're dealing with... you're subject to whatever the owner wants. unless it's written somewhere that the owner can't interfere with the story.

[Cowabunga Carl]

It's already confirmed that IDW has to send in every script to Nick for approval before they can go ahead and publish an issue.

Be thankful Nick allows some violence and cursing in the comic as well as more mature stories.

That has been established. What I'm wondering is how much say they really have. How much do Tom and company have to toe the line.

[CyberCubed]

That has been established. What I'm wondering is how much say they really have. How much do Tom and company have to toe the line.

Considering how much they let him change already, reincarnation, use of all the OT characters, I say a lot.

[frank_one]

Well done Old Hob, this deserve a thread on its own.
I just copy and paste what I've already said on other topics:

(Talking about Don's gap tooth on Santolouco's cover for Secret history of the Foot clan #1)..
..this is not good, really not good, I hate this kind of thing. Nickelodeon putting IDW under pressure trying to make the comics similar to the show is one of the few things that could put the comics' future at risk and convince me to stop buying it.

This is where Mirage was different: they were indipendent, they were playing with their own toy.

And more in another thread:
We just hope Nickelodeon won't start to put MORE pressure and reduce the freedom of the artists involved. I guess this is what Lampy was trying to say and is what I meant with my first post.

I know that Nick HAS BEEN checking IDW's work since the beginning and that's ok, they are doing well letting IDW a good amount of freedom. Here's hoping they just don't start to suddenly get annoying. So far they've done well.

So, there is nothing alarming so far.. but Don's teeth on that cover.. not a good sign, I guess.

[Roseangelo]

That has been established. What I'm wondering is how much say they really have. How much do Tom and company have to toe the line.

I think the approval process is more about telling them what they can't do than telling them what they have to do. I really don't think there's any of Nickelodeon telling them what to do with the book. Not the current one, at least. Once IDW starts doing a book tied to the new series, then maybe they will.

[Lampy]

nickelodeon has total control of the property and can do what they want with it... it's like asking laird what couldn't he do back when he still owned the property. they had to ask him for approval first. it may seem like all they're doing now is just giving the ok's and no's... only because maybe they see that it's doing perfectly fine on its own... but i think that should they decide to make changes, they'd have no problem doing it.

[Venom]

I'm more curious to know who this "omnipotent approval committee" is and consists of. A bunch of suits sitting around a table, or a couple of people designated with "editorial oversight" or what have you?

[Roseangelo]

I'm more curious to know who this "omnipotent approval committee" is and consists of. A bunch of suits sitting around a table, or a couple of people designated with "editorial oversight" or what have you?

I'm also curious about this. Especially as I've actually agreed with most, if not all, of the comments I'm aware of them making regarding art.

[Cowabunga Carl]

That is something I've been wondering about too. Who is it at Nick who is making the calls in regards to the TMNT. Is it a comity or a single person, and are they TMNT fans?

[Lampy]

^ question of the decade. i wish we knew...

[CyberCubed]

That is something I've been wondering about too. Who is it at Nick who is making the calls in regards to the TMNT. Is it a comity or a single person, and are they TMNT fans?

It's probably a bunch of white guys in suits.

[Kendamu]

I don't remember where I read or heard this, but didn't someone from IDW say that it was actually Nickelodeon's idea for Raphael to start off seperated from the rest of the gang? From what I remember it was suggested by Nick to give reason behind Raph's somewhat rough and independent nature and his close friendship with Casey.

Did I dream this or something or can someone back me up on this? If I heard this right, then that gives a pretty good insight into what sort of things Nick suggests in their control over the comic storyline.

[MikeandRaph87]

I don't remember where I read or heard this, but didn't someone from IDW say that it was actually Nickelodeon's idea for Raphael to start off seperated from the rest of the gang? From what I remember it was suggested by Nick to give reason behind Raph's somewhat rough and independent nature and his close friendship with Casey.

Did I dream this or something or can someone back me up on this? If I heard this right, then that gives a pretty good insight into what sort of things Nick suggests in their control over the comic storyline.


Tom said this at the start of the year.

I was one who originally asked who exactly runs TMNT?Well,we know the presient of the animation department that was lDW go at the end of last month lead the concepts behind the new show.Though would the person in that post now also look at the comic scripts?

I hope Mr.Waltz replies to this thread.He would have the answer we're all looking for. Or atleast tell us what we are permitted to know.

[Matches Malone]

It's always a little scary to consider a beloved property that was once independent, initially fueled solely by creative drive, and see it passed on to a more corporate entity, who probably have financial gain a little higher in their priorities.

Still, it's always good to have a steady head on your shoulders and to remember what you don't know. Presumptions on an "evil corporate machine" are just a means for us to alleviate our own paranoid fears. The reality is most likely that those at Nick have both people who care about TMNT, and those who want to make it a money-making success. The two aren't incongruous. I see people say that Nick forced the mask change, or Don's gap. While I'm not a fan of either, it is also wholly possible that there are people who may genuinely want to incorporate those things on their own. I'm okay with people casting reasonable suspicions, but I don't like seeing a select few state opinions as facts, especially when it's just an emotional reaction to something they don't like, because that is how misinformation gets spread. We have enough real things to worry about.

In the end, it's best to remember that most of us will likely never know what goes on behind the scenes, so we may as well have a good and optimistic attitude about it, unless forced otherwise. For now, IDW is doing a great job, not only with the series, but with their transparency and communication, and we should all be thankful, not making frantic accusations of Nick-meddling. They've so far given us more reason to have faith than to doubt.

As for the actual process, I'd guess that Nick doesn't have much part in the creative process. They just approve of things so that IDW doesn't go crazy for whatever reason. They seem to have a good relationship, so most likely they don't clash on much. It's not unlike the relationship of a writer and an editor.

[chrisdude]

It's important to remember that if IDW TMNT did something controversial, it would fall back on Nickelodeon. It would be foolish not to check behind something that has your name, and thus your reputation, riding on it.

And, honestly, who's to say that people at IDW wouldn't be just as likely, or more likely to make a terrible decision than Nickelodeon?

[Cowabunga Carl]

chrisdude I wish there was a like button on here. Very well put.

[Lampy]

It's important to remember that if IDW TMNT did something controversial, it would fall back on Nickelodeon. It would be foolish not to check behind something that has your name, and thus your reputation, riding on it.

And, honestly, who's to say that people at IDW wouldn't be just as likely, or more likely to make a terrible decision than Nickelodeon?

you have a point there...

[thelouisguy]

Just my two cents, but we are getting a comic based off the new TV show so I do not think anyone needs to worry about the toon influencing this ongoing.

Also, the gaped tooth was either coincidental or influenced by. I do not believe Nickelodeon had any say in that cover.

[Cowabunga Carl]

I don't think Nick will "force" a change in IDW, but people started talking about it so I thought we could have a discussion about it. You know what would be great? If we saw notes like Laird does for the 4kids on scripts that are of old issues. It would be neat to see the process behind bringing them from script to print.

[Lampy]

Just my two cents, but we are getting a comic based off the new TV show so I do not think anyone needs to worry about the toon influencing this ongoing.

Also, the gaped tooth was either coincidental or influenced by. I do not believe Nickelodeon had any say in that cover.

santouloco noted himself right under the picture that nickelodeon wanted a few changes... so he did. but i do agree... it's not a big deal right now. as i said in the other thread... i'm not too worried, but simply answering the question with potential outcomes. it's not IMpossible. but nothing to worry about either.

and i agree with Old Hob... some feedback notes would be kinda cool.

[***First of Two Latin Kings***]

It's probably a bunch of white guys in suits.

Why do they have to be white? :tlol:

[Jester]

Cubed always sees men in white coats....

[ToTheNines]

http://davidpetersen.blogspot.com/2012/09/tmnt-micro-series-cover-fugitoid-this.html

Anyone interested in this topic should give that a read. David Peterson details the evolution of his Fugitoid cover. It's interesting that Nick was so worried about what he put on the cover. Then again, I guess a cover can make or break a sale for casual readers.

[Lampy]

http://davidpetersen.blogspot.com/2012/09/tmnt-micro-series-cover-fugitoid-this.html

Anyone interested in this topic should give that a read. David Peterson details the evolution of his Fugitoid cover. It's interesting that Nick was so worried about what he put on the cover. Then again, I guess a cover can make or break a sale for casual readers.

that was an excellent article ToTheNines. this not only gave us a glimpse of the process... but it basically answered the question to this thread. it gives us an idea of how influential nickelodeon's requests can be in the outcome of a comic.

[thelouisguy]

santouloco noted himself right under the picture that nickelodeon wanted a few changes... so he did.

I had not seen that note. Thank you for the clarification.

http://davidpetersen.blogspot.com/2012/09/tmnt-micro-series-cover-fugitoid-this.html

Anyone interested in this topic should give that a read. David Peterson details the evolution of his Fugitoid cover. It's interesting that Nick was so worried about what he put on the cover. Then again, I guess a cover can make or break a sale for casual readers.

Really interesting piece. Thank you for sharing. I know that when the writers come on to guest on the micro-series issues, they seem to have less restrictions (http://www.crossovercomics.ca/frontpage/interview-with-erik-burnham-writer-of-tmnt-splinter-micro-series/) than the artists.

[Matches Malone]

santouloco noted himself right under the picture that nickelodeon wanted a few changes... so he did. but i do agree... it's not a big deal right now. as i said in the other thread... i'm not too worried, but simply answering the question with potential outcomes. it's not IMpossible. but nothing to worry about either.

and i agree with Old Hob... some feedback notes would be kinda cool.

I'm assuming you mean this note?

Hey y'all!
This is more or less how these guys, and April, are going to look on the new mini-series I'm writing and will be drawing for IDW's TMNT.
Nickelodeon asked for subtle changes but no big deal so, the changes will show up on next studies or directly in the books.
Originally I wanted to make them even smaller compared to humans and with more contrastant heights between themselves (I may post these studies later). But you can't win them all, and I'm happy with the consensus we got to.

I've been trying new stuff for a while now (new for me - how I used to draw them), mixing elements I like of other people's turtles.

My main influences came from Ross :iconmooncalfe: and Dan Duncan :icondan-duncan:, but I admit I really dug the new Nickelodeon's animated series so, a little bit comes from there too.

He notes that the changes Nick wanted had more to do with their heights, and not making them too short. He then goes on to say that he was personally influenced by the new Nick series, Ross Campbell (who was in turn also influenced by Nick's turtles), and Dan Duncan, so it sounds like at the least, the body types and Don gap (unfortunately...) were mainly personal decisions.

[Lampy]

I'm assuming you mean this note?



He notes that the changes Nick wanted had more to do with their heights, and not making them too short. He then goes on to say that he was personally influenced by the new Nick series, Ross Campbell (who was in turn also influenced by Nick's turtles), and Dan Duncan, so it sounds like at the least, the body types and Don gap (unfortunately...) were mainly personal decisions.

yup... that one. he doesn't specify that it was only the heights that needed changing. although implications suggest that you may be right. maybe when he said he said he was influenced by nick... he was also referring to the height ranges. who's to say that nick didn't ask for the gap as well? who knows.

[Matches Malone]

yup... that one. he doesn't specify that it was only the heights that needed changing. although implications suggest that you may be right. maybe when he said he said he was influenced by nick... he was also referring to the height ranges. who's to say that nick didn't ask for the gap as well? who knows.

Yeah, totally true, it's very possible. It just seems strange that they would ask for a gap just for a mini-series that isn't even focused around them.

Now if they start showing up in the ongoing, then I'd say that's a good reason to suspect of some meddling. Let's hope that doesn't happen! I think so far Nick & IDW have a good partnership. Sometimes limitations can push you to be more creative and think of something you wouldn't have otherwise. The David Petersen cover, for example, I really like the portal idea that came about Nick's notes and Bobby's suggestion.

Now the new turtle movie is a completely different story... I think we should all be thankful that there was someone to put a stop to that nonsense of a script.

[MikeandRaph87]

I know Michelangelo is supposed to be the blued eyed youngest,but he was the first created so its ironic. I would for them to honor that he came first somehow. Instead of short he can be the taller one if we have to have height differences as a way of honoring the first drawn turtle if they have to have differences like that. Just an idea. The youngest doesn't have to be the runt of the litter.

[Lampy]

Yeah, totally true, it's very possible. It just seems strange that they would ask for a gap just for a mini-series that isn't even focused around them.

Now if they start showing up in the ongoing, then I'd say that's a good reason to suspect of some meddling. Let's hope that doesn't happen! I think so far Nick & IDW have a good partnership. Sometimes limitations can push you to be more creative and think of something you wouldn't have otherwise. The David Petersen cover, for example, I really like the portal idea that came about Nick's notes and Bobby's suggestion.

Now the new turtle movie is a completely different story... I think we should all be thankful that there was someone to put a stop to that nonsense of a script.

oh i totally agree that so far nick and idw have a great partnership regarding the comics. and yea... i actually favor the fugitoid micro more than the rest. and finding out that Peterson's cover was heavily instructed by nickelodeon... it's kind of a relief a bit. maybe they're not so evil after all?:lol: let's hope i don't jinx it.

regarding the movie... i read the script. would've cringed from start to finish if it was passed. you can tell that that project should be arrested for being under the influence.

[Venom]

Instead of short he can be the taller one if we have to have height differences as a way of honoring the first drawn turtle if they have to have differences like that.

Well, he's typically noted for having the most natural talent and seen by many as the "heart" of the group, so Mikey gets his dues. :tgrin::tgrin: